Badger

Always came across as a man of great integrity, who conducted himself in a very dignified way despite the public humiliation from the media. Very thoughtful and considered speaker when a pundit, and interesting to listen to. His Watford achievement was remarkable. I remember Watford playing us at The Dell after their promotion, two wingers - Barnes & Callaghan - took us apart and left us floundering, as they won 4-1. And of course there was his part in our epic loss at Watford after starting a League Cup tie 4-0 up from the first leg. Football has lost one of it's few true gentlemen.

Agree. I'm more interested in finding a new 'Paul Gilchrist and 'David Peach' on 25th January first.

Yes, interesting but not sure of the 'links' and the real tangible benefits of owning a club such as Saints (or Wolves or whoever), other than 'networking' on a large scale. Seems a flamboyant and modern (corporate) extension of inviting people to "my club" , or golf club.

They'll still be drawn in the hardest group even if they do..

No doubt the Venky's and Tan spouted about "grand designs" when they first came in. Ditto. Would rather stay under the steady ownership of Kat, than chance it with a potential sino - SISU.

1976 - Palace 1984 - Everton 1986 - Liverpool 2003 - Watford 2010 MK Dons

It's not going to provide an exciting spectacle of attacking football is it ? On the plus side, it might mean less games for our English players, as they'll probably be coming home after two matches rather than three.

My expectations for this season, great or otherwise: Good Europa League run, qualifying from the group stage League - between 8-12th Cups - good run so SF meets that's met so far Other expectations: Redmond would be no better than average We'd struggle for goals (These two have met expectation then) I also expected : Decent passing, attacking football & to be able to rely on Fonte in the dressing room to help team spirit I certainly think the EL exit, and manner of performances have influenced most people's sense of disappointment.

He probably had better 'raw material' to work with in the shape of Niemi though.

Strange how this has turned in the last couple of weeks. Let's not forget that his arrival in 2014 was considered something of a coup when we brought him in, and there was great joy on here when last summer we held on to him with a new contract when many on here were concerned he'd be lured away by RK.

Would come as no surprise if we bring an emergency GK in on loan.

Unless he does it true 'Arry style, and reverses over him in the process

Koeman on the other hand was probably promised unlimited funds. or that the board have not fulfilled their promises.

Poch linked with Barcelona. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/576341/Tottenham-news-Mauricio-Pochettino-replace-Luis-Enrique-Barcelona

I remember the butchers and lab coats in the early - mid 1970's, they were a bit of a fashion for a while (although looking pretty silly in hindsight).

Wouldn't necessarily disagree with you, but probably a bit too 'ambitious' for LR don't you think ?

Wonder who will be available in goal. I expect we'll see Fraser hobbling about for it rather than risk Lewis or Taylor. McCarthy having fallen out the picture completely.

Dugout pioneers also lose at home.

Perhaps this is something developed and built on from on the training ground. I've been a supporter of Puel to give him time etc, but clearly something is wrong at the club at the moment.

Useless bunch of c^nts. No backbone, or mental strength when it matters. Other teams come to SMS and effectively 'park the bus' for 90 minutes and shut us out, we can't see out 4 minutes to half time at home to WBA or see out the injury time against Norwich.

This reminds me of the Lowe era in that on reading this, and the Puel in/out thread, many seem to have worked themselves up into the state of frenzy in the expectation it's going to get worse in order to stay interesting.

Agreed. I told a Swansea supporter earlier this week that could be their turning point as we had already capitulated to the likes of Hull, & Palace. That was before their win at Palace, appointment of a new manager, and the more recent rumours of discontent coming out.

I remember seeing that character on the Archers Rd terraces in the late 70's/early 80's. Always looked capable and prepared to lump an opposition supporter if the need arose. I recall one incident c 1985or6, home to Millwall in the FA Cup. We were coming out from The Dell and saw a lot of charging and activity up Milton Rd after some Millwall fans came round from the Archers away end. Police separated the fans, and pushed the Saints fans back. Saw him and another, a maturing, probably one of the original 1960's skinheads in the middle of the fray. Skinhead seemed to fall after a bit of a 'push', only to get up and say to matey "cor, this is a bit like the good ol'days...". Last saw bloke with birthmark at semi-final at Villa Park, complete with what looked like wife and family in tow. Mid-life respectability comes to us all.

I thought his main position was a left sided wing back, do we need one of those ?

If we're in negotiations with Hoffenheim perhaps we can bring their manager in as well.